Seasonal Variation of Acute Stroke;Hospital Based Study

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the seasonal variation in stroke types, ischemic stroke subtypes, stroke risk factors and Sasang constitutions. Methods: 226 patients with acute stroke within 14 days onset were included, who were admitted to Kyunghee Oriental Medical Center from November 2005 to October 2006. The year was subdivided into four parts: spring (March-May); summer (June-August); fall (September-November); and winter (December-February). Stroke types, ischemic stroke subtypes, stroke risk factors and Sasang constitutions in the four groups were examined. Results: Ischemic stroke was most frequent in summer, whereas hemorrhagic stroke was most frequent in winter. There was no significant difference in seasonal variation of stroke. The frequency of ischemic heart disease among stroke risk factors was significantly high in spring (p=0.031). The frequency of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and hyperlipidemia did not differ among seasons. There was no significant difference in Sasang constitution among seasons. Frequency of small vessel occlusion was highest in summer. Large artery atherosclerosis was frequent in spring and summer,but seasonal variation of ischemic stroke subtypes did not show statistical difference. Conclusion: Acute stroke demonstrates seasonal characteristics according to stroke types, ischemic stroke subtypes, risk factors for stroke, and Sasang constitutions. These results have important clinical implications in stroke prevention.